Can Torque Converters "Go Bad"?

[colnago]

I just picked up a parts truck, and it has a C-6 transmission and the torque converter. I figured I'd rebuild the C-6, and replace my C-6, but was curious about which torque converter to use, if it matters, and if there's any way to tell.

Thanks,

Joseph

[Donnie]

Can they go bad? or How do you tell? Yes, the can fail, how to tell is difficult in print.... is the fluid red? smelly, or discolored?
Year & mileage can help? Useage, look for a class 3 hitch, pintle hook, or 5th wheel mount....These offer clues as to what kind of life this has been thru.....Is your conv. back half smooth or does it have slash marks like this /////// \\\\\\ ?
There are 3 washers in your conv, that is if is OEM & never been remfg.----------1 is fiber, wears, but not a high failure item
Rivets shear off or become loose...If they shear= no movement.......if they become loose they will shear
The most likely parts to fail are the 2 bakelite thick washers..look for black mini specks in the pan or in the filter
And last, there is a spring & roller clutch ....the springs get weak & sometimes break...........not a high failure condition
Loose fins can generate some powdered metal, but the pan magnet will catch it, if it makes it thru the cooler..The oel leaves the converter , goes thru the cooler & back to the trans, but not directly to the pan, it has to lubricate some parts on the way
All in all these units are pretty tough
High mileage, abuse, & age take their toll on the bakelite..........The most likely item to fail & hard to detect when the unit is together
Not trying to frighten you, just the facts & a little theory.. Ask more questions, there are others on here that will offer their help..Donnie

[67 428 F250]

I just picked up a parts truck, and it has a C-6 transmission and the torque converter. I figured I'd rebuild the C-6, and replace my C-6, but was curious about which torque converter to use, if it matters, and if there's any way to tell.

Thanks,

Joseph

Never put an old torque converter into a new rebuilt trans, to many particulates that will contaminate the trans.
Will

[BobbyFord]

Plus, a stock rebuilt torque converter isn't really expensive. I like to have a fresh converter on a fresh trans.

[Donnie]

and just a couple of things to add to what Bobby said.............A C6 converter can be built using an aluminum adapter & a Torrington bearing to replace the bakelite stator caps,, 2 each are required....also a good builder will tig a few fins, as they are only bent over & become loose.. or furnace braze the turbine & impeller .........All these mods are only done by request.......For a bullet proof job.....Quality cost $$$...
You will not get any of the above if you buy a $99.00 special..........You will be at least getting a clean / stock unit & that may be all that you need.......I'm just pointing out what can be done to Toughen it up.......

I tried to answer your question "can converters go bad & how to tell"
I didn't connect with the part about which one to use...............my bad.....................Donnie

Oh, about furnace brazing---------Chrysler is the only domestic Co. that has been furnace brazing forever...Other OEM's are starting to use this process now in their more demanding applications........ABOUT TIME ! ! !